New Role For Magistrate

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6764, 23 January 1932, Page 6

New Role For Magistrate

IN WITNESS BOX IN THEFT CASE

Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, Last Night. Mr. T. E. Maunsell, S.M., who usually surveys the Blenheim Magistrate's Court from the elevation of the bench, had the opportunity yesterday of gazing on it from a new angle when he*occupied the witness box to give evidence in a case in which Georgo Bernsen, an inmate cf the Old People’s Home, was charged before justices with the theft, of £5, the property of no less a dignitary than the Magistrate himself. Incidentally, the disposal of the case established something in the nature of a record in the administration of justice, for Bernsen did not commit the offence until well after 3 p.m., and he had been arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced by 4.15 p.m.

Witnesses related that shortly after 3 p.m. his Worship was scon to leave the court-house, fumbling at a pocket book. Bystanders saw a small bundle drop to the ground, and at once realised that it comprised a roll of bank notes. However, before the Magistrate's attention could be directed to his loss, Bernscn, who was standing close, by, swooped down on the roll, hastily pocketed it and cracked on all sail in an obvious effort to get as far away from the spot a-s ho could in as little time as possible. One of tho bystanders, however, informed Mr. Maunscll of what had taken place and indicated tho fast-disappearing fugitive.

Tho Magistrate at once set out in pursuit, determined to keep the thief in sight, and a queer chase ensued right the busy pavement.

At the Magistrate’s Court, on tho Bench announcing that a conviction would be recorded, (Sergeant Petersen said that accused was an inmate of the Old People’s Home, but was continually about the streets of Blenheim and was inclined to bo a nuisance. Ho suggested an indeterminate sentence, with the condition that accused should bo required to remain in the vicinity of the Old People’s Home. The Bench adopted the suggestion and ordered accused to come up for sentence if called on within 12 months, a special condition being that ho is to refrain from hanging about the streets >